PRAY WITH
THE APOSTLES
ascension day → pentecost
In Acts 1:13–14 we are told that the Apostles with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus devoted themselves to prayer with one accord. They had just witnessed Jesus’ Ascension and were waiting for the Holy Spirit.
Between Ascension and Pentecost this year, the House of Bishops meet together. During this time they will decide what amendments to make to the draft legislation to enable women to be ordained as bishops in the Church of England in the hope of enabling the highest possible degree of unity for all in the Church of England, and for all to be able to thrive equally.
As the bishops approach this important meeting, and members of the General Synod prepare for the July Synod where this will be debated, perhaps for the final time, parishes and individuals are invited to dedicate time to prayer during the period between Ascension and Pentecost for the House of Bishops and for a positive outcome for all at the July Synod.
17–27 May
NOVENA 2012 gives suggestions for prayer, but each person or group can choose how to do this. We believe that it is important to try to build graciousness, sensitivity, and generosity, leading to the highest degree of unity possible and praying that, in the midst of differing views, we might desire one another’s flourishing in the Church of England.
www.novena2012.org #novena2012
focusing our prayers:
(ASCENSION DAY) THURSDAY MAY 17th
For the unity of the whole Church:
That they may be 0ne, even as we are one. John 17:22
FRIDAY MAY 18th
For the spirit of generosity: Give and it will be given to you. Luke 6:38
SATURDAY MAY 19th
That the Church of England may continue to reflect the diversity of the Body of Christ:
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it 1 Corinthians 12:27
SUNDAY MAY 20TH
That our Church may be truly inclusive:
Weare all one in Christ Jesus; we belong to him through faith, heirs of the promise of the Spirit of peace. Common worship
MONDAY MAY 21ST
For the gift of patient love:
God is love and those who live in love live in God
and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16
TUESDAY MAY 22ND
For the House of Bishops meeting today:
He breaks down the walls that divide us:
praise Christ who is our peace! Common worship
WEDNESDAY MAY 23RD
For the decisions to be made at this time:
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and
where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17
THURSDAY MAY 24TH
John 13:34
FRIDAY MAY 25th
For the evangelisation of our nation: I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Acts 2:17
SATURDAY M AY 26th
For the healing of divisions in the Church:
Be devoted to one another in love.
Honour one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10
( D AYOF P NECOST ) S UNDAY M AY 27th
For the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be shown among us:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you
trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the
power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
NOVENA 2012
PRAY WITH THE APOSTLES
Ascension day → pentecost
Acts 1:13 14 tells us that the Apostles, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, devoted themselves to prayer with one accord. They had just witnessed Jesus Ascension and were waiting for the Holy Spirit.
and praying each day:
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire;
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.
Thy blessed unction from above
Is comfort, life, and fire of love;
Enable with perpetual light
The dullness of our blinded sight:
Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of thy grace:
Keep far our foes, give peace at home;
Where thou art guide no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee, of Both, to be but One;
That through the ages all along
This may be our endless song,
Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Take a moment to pray either silently or aloud, alone or with others. Make use of the Scripture suggestions for the day if you find these helpful. Then, when you are ready, pray as Jesus taught us:
Our Father
Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles:
Peace I leave you, my peace I give you;
Look not on our sins,
But the faith of your Church,
And graciously grant her peace and unity
In accordance with your will. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all.
Amen.